11. migratory and marine species - eisdocs.dsdip.qld.gov.au

i 41/20736/449257 Draft environmental impact statement June 2015

Volume 2 Chapter 11 Migratory and marine species

11. Migratory and marine species

Table of contents

11. Migratory and marine species .................................................................................... i

11.1 Overview .......................................................................................................... 11-1

11.2 Approach and methodology................................................................................. 11-1

11.3 Listed migratory species within the Project footprint ................................................ 11-2

11.3.1 Species predicted to occur ...................................................................... 11-2

11.3.2 Likelihood of occurrence ......................................................................... 11-3

11.3.3 Potential impacts on listed migratory species within the Project footprint ........ 11-6

11.3.3.1 Overview ....................................................................................... 11-6

11.3.3.2 Migratory birds ............................................................................... 11-6

11.3.3.3 Migratory marine species ................................................................. 11-7

11.4 Downstream migratory species ............................................................................ 11-7

11.4.1 Species predicted to occur ...................................................................... 11-7

11.4.2 Potential impacts on downstream migratory species ..................................11-10

11.5 Marine species .................................................................................................11-16

11.5.1 Species predicted to occur .....................................................................11-16

11.5.2 Potential impacts on marine species ........................................................11-18

11.6 Summary.........................................................................................................11-19

Table index

Table 11-1 Key to likelihood of occurrence ................................................................... 11-1

Table 11-2 Listed migratory species potentially present within or near to the Project

footprint................................................................................................... 11-2

Table 11-3 Commonwealth listed migratory species predicted to occur within and

surrounding the Project footprint – likelihood of occurrence ............................. 11-4

Table 11-4 Listed migratory species downstream of the Project footprint ........................... 11-8

Table 11-5 Commonwealth listed migratory marine species downstream of the Project

footprint – potential indirect impacts............................................................11-11

Table 11-6 Listed marine species predicted to occur .....................................................11-16

11-1 41/20736/449257 Draft environmental impact statement June 2015


11.1 Overview

This chapter provides an assessment of impacts on listed migratory and marine species as a

result of the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project (Project). Migratory species listed under the

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) include

species listed under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

(Bonn Convention), the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), the Japan-Australia

Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and the Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird

Agreement (ROKAMBA). Marine species listed under the EPBC Act occur naturally in the

Commonwealth marine area and although they may not occur within the direct footprint of the

Project, these species are included in this impact assessment to take account of potential indirect

impacts which may affect the long-term conservation of the species.

EPBC Act Protected Matters searches were undertaken for the Project to identify listed migratory

and marine species potentially present within the Project footprint (directly impacted) and

downstream of the Project footprint (indirectly impacted). Impacts on identified migratory and

marine species are assessed in the following sections.

A summary of survey methodologies is provided in Chapter 6 and detailed survey methods are

included within Appendix N and Appendix O.

11.2 Approach and methodology

A description of the existing environmental values of the Project area was achieved using a

combination of desktop assessments and field studies. The desktop assessment comprised a

review of relevant literature, database searches and existing technical reports, available in the

public domain. Field studies were conducted to obtain ecological information relevant to the

Project and to ground truth results from desktop assessments. For conservation significant

migratory and marine species, a likelihood of occurrence assessment (Table 11-1) was

undertaken to focus assessment on those taxa that are known or likely to occur within the Project

footprint. Migratory species listed under the EPBC Act include species listed under the

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention), the

China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement, the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and the

Republic of Korea – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement.

The significance of residual impacts, post-mitigation, was evaluated with consideration to the

significance criteria provided in the Matters of National Environmental Significance - Significant

impact guidelines 1.1.

Table 11-1 Key to likelihood of occurrence

Likelihood Category Definition supporting information

High The species or ecological has been

observed w ithin the Project footprint

(know n to occur) or there is a high potential

that a species or ecological community

occurs w ithin the Project footprint (likely to

occur)

Species / community has been recorded during

f ield surveys in the Project footprint

OR

Species has been recorded w ithin the Project

footprint from desktop searches AND suitable

habitat is present in the Project footprint

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41/20736/449257

Likelihood Category Definition supporting information

Moderate Suitable habitat for a species or ecological

community occurs on the site, but there is

insuff icient information to categorise the

species or ecological community as high or

low potential to occur

Species’ distribution incorporates the Project

footprint (or part(s) thereof) AND potentially

suitable habitat occurs in the Project footprint

Low A very low to low potential that a species or

ecological community occurs w ithin the

Project footprint

Suitable habitat is absent from Project footprint

11.3 Listed migratory species within the Project footprint

11.3.1 Species predicted to occur

EPBC Act Protected Matters searches undertaken for the Project identified 20 migratory species

that are potentially present within or near the Project footprint as shown in Table 11-2. This

includes six species of marine turtles which breed and forage exclusively in estuary/marine

habitat. While these species are not known or likely to occur in the Project footprint, suitable

habitat for these species exists downstream of the Project footprint as discussed in Section 11.4.

Table 11-2 Listed migratory species potentially present within or near to the Project

footprint

Species Common

name EPBC Act status

Predicted to

occur^

Previously

recorded*

Recorded in

Project area

Eden B

ann

Weir t

o

Rookw

ood W

eir

Rookw

ood W

eir

inundatio

n

Eden B

ann

Rookw

ood

Eden B

ann

Rookw

ood

Migratory marine birds

Apus pacificus Fork-tailed

sw ift

Marine, migratory (CAMBA,

JAMBA, ROKAMBA)

Migratory marine species

Crocodylus

porosus

Salt-w ater/

estuarine

crocodile

Marine, migratory (Bonn)

Migratory terrestrial species

Haliaeetus

leucogaster

White-bellied

sea-eagle

Marine, migratory (CAMBA)

Merops

ornatus

Rainbow bee-

eater

Marine, migratory (JAMBA)

Hirundapus

caudacutus

White-throated

needletail Marine, migratory (CAMBA,

JAMBA, ROKAMBA)

Hirundo

rustica

Barn sw allow Marine, migratory (CAMBA,

JAMBA, ROKAMBA)



Species Common

name EPBC Act status

Predicted to

occur^

Previously

recorded*

Recorded in

Project area

Eden B

ann

Weir t

o

Rookw

ood W

eir

Rookw

ood W

eir

inundatio

n

Eden B

ann

Rookw

ood

Eden B

ann

Rookw

ood

Monarcha

melanopsis

Black-faced

monarch


Monarcha

trivirgatus

Spectacled

monarch


Myiagra

cyanoleuca

Satin

f lycatcher


Rhipidura

rufifrons

Rufous fantail Marine, migratory (Bonn)

Migratory wetland species

Ardea alba Great egret,

w hite egret


JAMBA)

Ardea ibis Cattle egret Marine, migratory (CAMBA,

JAMBA)

Gallinago

hardwickii

Latham's /

Japanese

snipe

Marine, migratory (Bonn,

CAMBA, JAMBA,

ROKAMBA)

Rostratula

benghalensis

Painted snipe Vulnerable, marine,

migratory (CAMBA)

= record supports presence, x = record does not support presence

^ Predicted to occur within proximity to the Project area based on EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool

* Previously recorded within proximity to the Project area based on desktop searches

11.3.2 Likelihood of occurrence

Table 11-3 assesses the likelihood of occurrence of migratory species identified as potentially

occurring within or near to the Project footprint. Assessment took account of species habitat

preferences, distribution, previous records from the region and the presence of suitable habitat

within the Project footprint. The likelihood of occurrence assessment criteria is provided in

Chapter 6 Methodology. The likelihood of occurrence assessment filters listed species to focus

impact assessment on taxa that have a high potential (known or likely) to occur within the Project

footprint (Section 11.3.3).

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Table 11-3 Commonwealth listed migratory species predicted to occur within and surrounding the Project footprint – likelihood of occurrence

Species Common name Suitable habitat in Project footprint Likelihood of

occurrence


Apus pacificus Fork-tailed sw ift May be a transient visitor to the Project footprint. How ever unlikely to constitute critical breeding, foraging, roosting or

shelter habitat. The fragmented and disturbed landscape matrix w ithin and adjacent to the project footprint

exacerbates this.

Moderate


Crocodylus

porosus

Salt-w ater /

estuarine

crocodile

The Fitzroy River represents marginal habitat for the estuarine crocodile, and is at the southern extreme of the

species’ range in eastern Queensland.

High


Haliaeetus

leucogaster

White-bellied

sea-eagle

The species has been previously recorded and w as recorded during survey, how ever the Project footprint is unlikely

to constitute critical breeding, foraging, roosting or shelter habitat. The fragmented and disturbed landscape matrix

w ithin and adjacent to the Project footprint exacerbates this.

High

Merops

ornatus

Rainbow bee-

eater

Know n to occur in the Project footprint, w ith riparian and f loodplain w oodlands providing suff icient nesting, shelter

and foraging resources.

High

Hirundapus

caudacutus

White-throated

needletail May be a transient visitor to the Project footprint. How ever unlikely to constitute critical breeding, foraging, roosting or

shelter habitat. The fragmented and disturbed landscape matrix w ithin and adjacent to the Project footprint

exacerbates this.

Moderate

Hirundo

rustica

Barn sw allow May be a transient visitor to the Project footprint. How ever unlikely to constitute critical breeding, foraging, roosting or


exacerbates this.

Moderate

Monarcha

melanopsis

Black-faced

monarch

The w oodland and forest communities w ithin the Project footprint are fragmented and there is a lack of suitable

habitat for the black-faced monarch. This species may occur in low numbers w ithin the Project footprint.

Moderate



Species Common name Suitable habitat in Project footprint Likelihood of

occurrence

Monarcha

trivirgatus

Spectacled

monarch

May be a transient visitor to the Project footprint. How ever the Project footprint is unlikely to constitute critical

breeding, foraging, roosting or shelter habitat. This species has not previously been recorded and w as not recorded

during surveys.

Moderate

Myiagra

cyanoleuca

Satin f lycatcher The w oodland and forest communities w ithin the Project footprint are fragmented and there is a lack of suitable

habitat for the satin f lycatcher. This species may occur in low numbers w ithin the Project footprint.

Moderate

Rhipidura

rufifrons

Rufous fantail The w oodland and forest communities w ithin the Project footprint are fragmented and there is a lack of suitable

habitat for the rufous fantail. This species may occur in low numbers w ithin the Project footprint.

Moderate


Ardea alba Great egret,

w hite egret

Wetland birds including Ardea alba w ere encountered in the Project footprint during surveys. High

Ardea ibis Cattle egret May be transient visitor to the Project footprint. How ever unlikely to constitute critical breeding, foraging, roosting or


exacerbates this.

Moderate

Gallinago

hardwickii

Latham's snipe,

Japanese snipe

The Project footprint is unlikely to constitute critical breeding, foraging, roosting or shelter habitat. The fragmented

and disturbed landscape matrix w ithin and adjacent to the Project footprint exacerbates this.

Moderate

Rostratula

benghalensis

Painted snipe Potential to occur among reeds in shallow w ater along the edge of the river and adjacent billabongs (e.g. RE 11.3.3,

11.3.25) how ever this species has not previously been recorded and w as not recorded during surveys.

Moderate



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11.3.3 Potential impacts on listed migratory species within the Project footprint

11.3.3.1 Overview

The Matters of National Environmental Significance Significant impact guidelines 1.1 (DoE 2013)

indicate that an action will require approval if the action has, will have, or is likely to have a

significant impact on a listed migratory species. An action is likely to have a significant impact on

a migratory species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

Substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering nutrient cycles or

altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of important habitat for a migratory

species

Result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming established in

an area of important habitat for the migratory species

Seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an

ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.

An area of ‘important habitat’ for a migratory species is considered to be one or more of the

following:

Habitat used by a migratory species occasionally or periodically within a region that supports

an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species

Habitat that is of critical importance to the species at particular life-cycle stages

Habitat utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range

Habitat within an area where the species is declining.

11.3.3.2 Migratory birds

The Project footprint is inhabited by a diversity of common woodland, wetland and forest bird

species listed as migratory under the EPBC Act. Common terrestrial species such as the white-

bellied sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) and the rainbow bee-eater (Merops ornatus) occur in

the Project footprint, with riparian and floodplain woodlands providing nesting, shelter and

foraging resources. Wetland birds including the great egret (Ardea alba) were observed within the

Project footprint during surveys.

A number of migratory species predicted to occur in the Project footprint based on bioclimatic

modelling were not recorded during field surveys, and have not been previously recorded in the

desktop search area. As the woodland and forest communities relevant to these species are

fragmented within the Project footprint, and given the lack of suitable habitat for some species

(such as black-faced monarch (Monarcha melanopsis), satin flycatcher (Myiagra cyanoleuca) and

rufous fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons)), these species may only occur at low densities or not at all

within the Project footprint. Other species such as the fork-tailed swift (Apus pacificus) and white-

throated needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus) may be transient visitors to the Project footprint,

however due to their predominantly aerial lifestyle, are difficult to record.

While utilised by a number of common migratory species, the Project footprint is unlikely to

constitute critical breeding, foraging, roosting or shelter habitat for these species (Appendix J

Eden Bann Weir Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Report and Appendix K Rookwood Weir Baseline

Terrestrial Fauna Report). Loss of riparian vegetation upstream of the proposed weir sites is

considered unlikely to impact on these species. The fragmented and disturbed landscape matrix



within and adjacent to the Project footprint exacerbates this. As such, the woodland, forest and

aquatic habitats within the Project footprint are not considered critical habitat for the migratory

species known to occur within or near to the Project footprint.

11.3.3.3 Migratory marine species

The Fitzroy River represents marginal habitat for the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus),

and is at the southern extreme of the species’ range in eastern Queensland. While present in low

numbers, survey results indicate that the existing Eden Bann Weir impoundment supports a

greater density of estuarine crocodiles than upstream and downstream reaches of the Fitzroy

River (Britton 2007). The availability of permanent, deep water and shelter and foraging resources

has been cited as explanations for the observed higher density of crocodiles within the Eden

Bann Weir impoundment (Britton 2007).

Due to the fact that this estuarine crocodile population is at the limit of the species’ range and is a

breeding population, the Fitzroy River should be considered ‘important habitat’ for the species as

defined in the Matters of National Environmental Significance Significant impact guidelines 1.1

(DoE 2013). While habitat modification as a result of the Project is likely to have short-term

impacts on the species it is unlikely to result in long-term negative impacts to the population, and

in fact may serve to benefit the population through the provision of more deep water habitat and

linear shoreline (Britton 2007).

Poor nesting success has been identified as the primary factor limiting population growth in the

Fitzroy River estuarine crocodile population (Britton 2007). This is as a result of limited suitable

nesting habitat, flooding of nest sites and nest predation. The inundation of vegetated islands and

riparian fringes upstream of the proposed Eden Bann and Rookwood developments may further

reduce nesting habitat resources in the short-term. However, inundation of terrestrial

environments is likely to create new islands which are likely to support crocodile nesting when

suitable habitat (i.e. vegetation) establishes. In particular, permanent inundation of depressions in

the riparian zone and adjacent to creeks may represent suitable crocodile nesting habitat with the

establishment of dense vegetation within 10 m to 20 m of the water body. Due to the longevity of

estuarine crocodiles, it is not anticipated that a short-term loss of some potential nesting habitat

will detrimentally impact the viability of the population upstream of Eden Bann Weir, with several

years of little or no recruitment unlikely to result in a notable decline in the population.

In summary, the Project is not considered likely to have a significant impact on the estuarine

crocodile. Short-term impacts to nesting habitat are likely to be ameliorated by the creation of new

nesting habitat over a time frame which is unlikely to detrimentally affect the viability of the

population (namely due to the species’ longevity). Habitat modification may in fact benefit the

species – the existing Eden Bann Weir impoundment is a highly productive system that supports

the most notable estuarine crocodile population in the Fitzroy Basin. The provision of similar

habitat upstream of the existing Eden Bann Weir impoundment and upstream of Rookwood Weir

may allow for a higher carrying capacity for the species in the study area.

11.4 Downstream migratory species


Table 11-4 outlines the listed migratory species that were predicted to occur downstream of Eden

Bann Weir based on the results of the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool. These searches

were undertaken to take account of potential indirect impacts on migratory species downstream of



41/20736/449257

the Project footprint. The two searches conducted included from Eden Bann Weir to the Fitzroy

Barrage (including Alligator Creek) and from the Fitzroy Barrage to the Fitzroy River estuary.

While predicted to occur based on the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool, many of the

migratory marine species identified in Table 11-4 would not occur in the freshwater area between

Eden Bann Weir and the Fitzroy Barrage (such as sea turtles). Similarly, a number of the

migratory marine species predicted to occur downstream of the Fitzroy Barrage are unlikely to

use habitats within the Fitzroy River estuary and, if present, are likely to be only transient visitors

(Section 11.4.2).

Table 11-4 Listed migratory species downstream of the Project footprint

Species Common name EPBC Act listing status

Predicted to occur*

Eden Bann

Weir to

Fitzroy

Barrage

Fitzroy

Barrage to

Fitzroy

Estuary


Apus pacificus Fork-tailed sw ift Marine, migratory (CAMBA,

JAMBA, ROKAMBA)

Macronectes

giganteus

Southern giant-petrel Endangered, marine,

migratory (Bonn)

Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed shearw ater, f leshy-

footed shearw ater

Marine, migratory (JAMBA,

ROKAMBA)

Sterna albifrons Little tern Marine, migratory (Bonn,

CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA)


Crocodylus

porosus

Salt-w ater crocodile,

estuarine crocodile Marine, migratory (Bonn)

Caretta caretta Loggerhead turtle Endangered, marine,

migratory (Bonn)

Chelonia mydas Green turtle Vulnerable, marine, migratory

(Bonn)

Dermochelys

coriacea

Leatherback turtle,

leathery turtle

Endangered, marine,

migratory (Bonn)

Eretmochelys

imbricata

Haw ksbill Turtle Vulnerable, marine, migratory

(Bonn)

Lepidochelys

olivacea

Olive Ridley turtle,

Pacif ic Ridley turtle

Endangered, marine,

migratory (Bonn)

Natador

depressus

Flatback turtle Vulnerable, marine, migratory

(Bonn) ^

Lamna nasus Porbeagle, mackerel

shark

Migratory (Bonn)

Dugong dugon Dugong Marine, migratory (Bonn)

Balaenoptera

edeni

Bryde's w hale Cetacean, migratory (Bonn)



Species Common name EPBC Act listing status

Predicted to occur*

Eden Bann

Weir to

Fitzroy

Barrage

Fitzroy

Barrage to

Fitzroy

Estuary

Megaptera

novaeangliae

Humpback w hale Vulnerable, cetacean,

migratory (Bonn)

Orcaella

heinsohni

(previously

Orcaella

brevirostris)

Australian snubfin

dolphin

Cetacean, migratory (Bonn)

Orcinus orca Killer w hale, orca Cetacean, migratory (Bonn)

Rhincodon typus Whale shark Vulnerable, migratory (Bonn)

Sousa chinensis Indo-Pacif ic

humpback dolphin

Cetacean, migratory (Bonn)


Haliaeetus

leucogaster

White-bellied sea-

eagle

Marine, migratory (CAMBA)

Hirundapus

caudacutus

White-throated

needletail


JAMBA, ROKAMBA)

Hirundo rustica Barn sw allow Marine, migratory (CAMBA,

JAMBA, ROKAMBA)

Merops ornatus Rainbow bee-eater Marine, migratory (JAMBA)

Monarcha

melanopsis

Black-faced monarch Marine, migratory (Bonn)

Monarcha

trivirgatus

Spectacled monarch Marine, migratory (Bonn)

Myiagra

cyanoleuca

Satin f lycatcher Marine, migratory (Bonn)

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous fantail Marine, migratory (Bonn)


Ardea alba Great egret, w hite

egret


JAMBA)

Ardea ibis Cattle egret Marine, migratory (CAMBA,

JAMBA)

Gallinago

hardwickii

Latham's snipe,

Japanese snipe

Marine, migratory (Bonn,

CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA)

Rostratula

benghalensis

Painted snipe Vulnerable, marine, migratory

(CAMBA)


* Predicted to occur downstream of the Project area based on EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool



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11.4.2 Potential impacts on downstream migratory species

Downstream impacts relating to changes in flow regimes, erosion, sedimentation and water

quality are discussed in Chapter 8 General impacts. Downstream impacts on the Great Barrier

Reef World Heritage Area are discussed in Chapter 9 World Heritage properties and National

Heritage places. The Fitzroy River system is representative of a modified environment where no

significant changes to downstream environments are anticipated.

The Project will not significantly alter environmental flows and will not result in loss or

fragmentation of habitats, increased predation or the introduction or spread of invasive weeds

downstream (Chapter 8 General impacts). No change in existing conditions will be achieved

through appropriate weir design and the implementation of mitigation and management measures

(Volume 1, Chapter 13 Environmental management system).

As shown in Table 11-5, migratory marine birds are predicted to occur within the Fitzroy River

area. These species are transient visitors and as such, the area does not contain habitats of

unique ecological value to these species. No impacts on migratory marine birds are predicted.

No significant impacts on migratory marine species are anticipated as a result of the Project

(Table 11-5). The Fitzroy River area does not contain habitat critical to the survival of loggerhead

turtle (Caretta caretta), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea),

hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) or olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). Nesting

habitat for the flatback turtle (Natador depressus) exists on Curtis Island and Peak Island adjacent

to the Fitzroy River estuary. The Project will not significantly alter existing conditions downstream

of the Project, therefore the nesting habitats on Curtis Island and Peak Island will not be impacted

by the Project.

It is unlikely that porbeagles (Lamna nasus), whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) or killer whales

(Orcinus orca) would use habitats downstream of the Project footprint. Bryde’s whales

(Balaenoptera edeni) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), if present, are likely to be

only transient visitors.

The Fitzroy River estuary region is a habitat of relatively important conservation value for the

Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) and is home to the southernmost resident

population of this species in Australian waters (Cagnazzi 2013). Similarly, suitable habitat for

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) exists in the Fitzroy River estuary. The Project

will not alter downstream flows or impact habitat within the Fitzroy River estuary and no long term

changes to water quality are anticipated. Accordingly no significant indirect impacts on these

species are predicted.

The Fitzroy River estuary has not been observed to support high numbers of dugong (Dugong

dugon) consistent with the absence of seagrass for the area. The waters do, however, provide

habitat observed to support low density dugong populations (Marsh et al. 2005; Grech and Marsh

2007). As for protected dolphin species, no downstream impacts to flows or water quality are

predicted which could potentially affect habitat dugong are dependent upon. Accordingly, no

significant impacts on dugongs are predicted.

As discussed in Section 11.2.3.3, the Project will not alter downstream flows or suitable habitat for

the estuarine crocodile within the Fitzroy Barrage or the Fitzroy River estuary.



Table 11-5 Commonwealth listed migratory marine species downstream of the Project footprint – potential indirect impacts

Species Common

name

Distribution and abundance Suitable habitat dow nstream of Project

footprint

Potential indirect impacts


Apus

pacificus

Fork-tailed

sw ift

The fork-tailed sw ift has a w ide distribution

centred w ithin the Indo-West Pacif ic. Within

Queensland it is know n from Cape York Peninsula

south to Brisbane (DoE 2013a). They are common

w est of the Great Diving Range.

They are found predominantly over inland

plains but are know n to occur above foothills

and coastal areas. There is no know n record

of the species breeding w ithin Australia.

The fork-tailed sw ift is likely to only use

the dow nstream habitats of the Project

area as a transient visitor, particularly

for foraging. As such, the area does not

contain habitats of unique ecological

value to the species. No signif icant

impact is predicted.

Macronectes

giganteus

Southern

giant-petrel

The southern giant-petrel has a circumpolar

distribution in the Southern Ocean. The species

(predominantly juveniles) occur in subtropical and

sometimes tropical w aters during w inter months

(Walbridge 2012). The species is rare in

Queensland.

The southern giant petrel occurs in coastal

and oceanic w aters. How ever, in recent

years the species has become extremely

rare in Queensland w aters (Walbridge 2012).

The southern giant-petrel is likely to

only use the dow nstream habitats of the

Project area as a transient visitor. As

such, the area does not contain

habitats of unique ecological value to

the species. No signif icant impact is

predicted.

Puffinus

carneipes

Flesh-

footed

shearw ater

, f leshy-

footed

shearw ater

The flesh-footed shearw ater is an Indo-West

Pacif ic species found in southern Indian Ocean

and south-w estern Pacif ic ocean habitats. Locally,

it is a common transient visitor to w aters off the

continental shelf of south-w est Western Australia

and southern Queensland (DoE 2013b).

As this species is predominantly found in

offshore islands such as Norfolk Island and

Lord How e Island, habitats dow nstream of

the Project are unlikely to house this species

in high numbers.

The f lesh-footed shearw ater is likely to

only use the dow nstream habitats of the

Project area as a transient visitor. As

such, the area does not contain


the species. No signif icant impact is

predicted.

Sterna

albifrons

Little tern The little tern has a w idespread distribution

throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. In

Queensland, there is a southern and northern

population, w ith the northern population breeding

from Mackay and into the Gulf of Carpentaria

(Homes 2012).

Little terns inhabit sheltered coastal

environments in Australia. Dow nstream of

the Project area this may include the estuary,

river mouth, harbours and inlets, especially

those w ith exposed sandbanks or sand-spits.

Little terns are w idespread on islands off the

The little tern is likely to only use the

dow nstream habitats of the Project area

as a transient visitor. Therefore, the

area does not contain habitats of

unique ecological value to the little tern.

No signif icant impact is predicted.



41/20736/449257

Species Common

name


footprint


Northern Territory coast and appear less

often on offshore continental islands or coral

cays off Queensland (DoE 2013c). The little

tern may be a transient visitor dow nstream of

the Project.


Balaenopter

a edeni

Bryde’s

w hale

Bryde's Whale is a pelagic species found in

tropical and w arm temperate w aters (Kato 2002).

There are tw o forms of the species, w ith the

coastal form limited to w aters 200 m or shallow er.

The offshore form is found in deeper w ater (Best

et al. 1984).

No specif ic feeding or breeding grounds

have been discovered off Australia and

therefore insuff icient information exists as to

how Australian Bryde's Whales use their

habitat (DoE 2013d). There is an inshore and

offshore form of the w hale. The inshore form

is more likely to use habitat dow nstream of

the Project area if suitable prey stock is

available. The Bryde’s w hale may pass

through dow nstream of the Project area.

Bryde’s w hale, if present, is likely to

only be a transient visitor w ithin

dow nstream habitats of the Project

footprint. The area does not represent


the w hale. No signif icant impact on this

species is predicted.

Caretta

caretta

Loggerhea

d turtle

The loggerhead turtle has a circumglobal

distribution throughout tropical to temperate

w aters. It is found in a range of habitats along the

entire Queensland coastline, including coral and

rocky reefs, sea grass meadow s and soft bottom

sand and mud expanses (Miller and Limpus

2012a). There are three know n breeding

aggregations in Queensland w ater (Miller and

Limpus 2012a).

It is unlikely that any breeding behaviour

including migrations to breeding sites,

nesting, and hatchling survivorship w ill be

affected by the Project. This is due to the

know n breeding aggregations occurring at

Mon Repos, the Capricorn Bunker group

w ithin the Great Barrier Reef and from

Sw ains Reef off Mackay. The species may

be a transient visitor for foraging, as it w as

observed in near shore w aters in Gladstone

(GHD 2009).

The Fitzroy River estuary area does not

contain habitats that provide a unique

ecological service for the loggerhead

turtle. Therefore, no signif icant impacts

are predicted.

Chelonia

mydas

Green

turtle

The green turtle has a circumglobal distribution in

all tropical and subtropical oceans. It is distributed

throughout Queensland and occurs in shallow

coastal areas such as coral and rocky reefs, sea

As w ith the loggerhead turtle, no know n

nesting aggregations occur dow nstream of

the Project, w ith the nearest breeding

aggregation w ithin the Capricorn Bunker



ecological service for the green turtle.

Therefore, no signif icant impacts are



Species Common

name


footprint


grass areas and intertidal and subtidal sand and

mud expanses (Miller and Limpus 2012b).

group of the Great Barrier Reef. The

loggerhead turtle is likely to be a transient

visitor for foraging w ithin areas dow nstream

of the Project.

predicted.

Crocodylus

porosus

Salt-w ater

crocodile,

estuarine

crocodile

The estuarine crocodile is found throughout

Northern Australia and southern Papua New

Guinea. Within Queensland w aters it is found from

Gladstone north, throughout tropical regions and

the Gulf of Carpentaria (Read, 2012). It is

relatively abundant throughout tropical

Queensland, particularly north of Cairns, w here

nesting habitats are more favourable (Read 2012).

The species has been found 130 km

upstream w ithin the Fitzroy River, and is

know n to occur throughout the estuaries of

the low er Fitzroy River and surrounds.

The Project w ill not alter dow nstream

flow s or the suitability of habitat for this

species w ithin the Fitzroy Barrage or

the Fitzroy River estuary area. This

species is know n to persist upstream

and dow nstream of existing movement

barriers. No signif icant impacts are

predicted.

Dermochelys

coriacea

Leatherbac

k turtle,

leathery

turtle

The leatherback turtle is the most w idely

distributed marine turtle, occurring in circumglobal

tropical, sub-tropical and temperate w aters (Miller

and Limpus 2012c). Within Australian w aters, the

species is know n from all states, w ith a higher

abundance in southern states.

The species occurs from coastal w aters into

the offshore pelagic zone. Although nesting

attempts have been w itnessed in southern

Queensland (Miller and Limpus 2012c), the

species is thought to occur in Australia

largely for foraging.



ecological service for the leatherback

turtle. Therefore, no signif icant impacts

are predicted.

Dugong

dugon

Dugong The dugong is distributed throughout the tropical

and subtropical Indo-West Pacif ic. The majority of

the w orld’s remaining dugong occur in Northern

Australia, from Moreton Bay in Queensland

through to Shark Bay in Western Australia (Marsh

et al. 2012).

Dugongs are found in coastal w aters, as w ell

as estuarine creeks and streams and have

been tracked travelling w ithin creeks

upstream for several kilometres (DoE

2013e). The Fitzroy River estuary has not

been observed to support high numbers of

dugong consistent w ith the absence of

seagrass for the area (GHD 2009; Grech and

Marsh 2007).


represent habitat that provides a unique

ecological service for the dugong. The

w aters provide a habitat observed to

support low density dugong populations

(Marsh et al. 2005; Grech and Marsh

2007). No signif icant impacts are

predicted.

Eretmochely

s imbricata

Haw ksbill

Turtle

The haw ksbill turtle has a circumglobal distribution

and is found from tropical to temperate w aters.

The species occurs predominantly on coral and

rocky reefs. There are 72 know n haw ksbill turtle

As the species is heavily reliant on rocky and

coral reefs, they are uncommon in other

coastal areas. Additionally, their nesting

grounds w ithin Queensland w aters occur in

The haw ksbill turtle is likely to only be a

transient visitor w ithin dow nstream

habitats of the Project area. Therefore,

the area does not contain habitats of



41/20736/449257

Species Common

name


footprint


nesting locations in Queensland w aters, w ith all

occurring in the northern Great Barrier Reef and

into the Gulf of Carpentaria and Torres Strait

(Miller and Limpus 2012d).

the northern Great Barrier Reef (Miller and

Limpus 2012d). How ever, they may be

transient visitors to the region dow nstream of

the Project.

unique ecological value to the species.

No signif icant impact is predicted.

Lamna

nasus

Porbeagle,

mackerel

shark

The porbeagle has a circumglobal distribution in

the subtropical and temperate w aters of the

southern hemisphere. Given its occurrence in

cooler w aters, it is know n only from southern

Queensland, most likely during w inter months

(Kyne and Curtis 2012).

The porbeagle shark occurs mainly on

continental shelves and oceanic regions

(Last and Stevens 2009). As such, the

species is unlikely to be found in shallow

coastal w aters of southern Queensland.

It is unlikely that the porbeagle w ould

use habitats dow nstream of the Project

area. Therefore, no signif icant impacts

are predicted to occur.

Lepidochelys

olivacea

Olive

Ridley

turtle,

Pacif ic

Ridley

turtle

The olive Ridley turtle has a circumglobal

distribution, predominantly in tropical and

subtropical w aters. Along eastern Australia, the

species occurs predominantly in the Great Barrier

Reef (Miller and Limpus 2012e).

The olive Ridley turtle is found w ithin the

w aters of the Great Barrier Reef. Although

the dow nstream area of the Project footprint

may form foraging habitat, it is unlikely to be

a major component of the species life

history. Within Queensland w aters, nesting

sites are only know n from the w estern Cape

York Peninsula.

The olive Ridley turtle is likely to be

only a transient visitor w ithin

dow nstream habitats of the Project

area. As such, the area does not

contain habitats of unique ecological

value to the species. No signif icant

impact is predicted.

Megaptera

novaeanglia

e

Humpback

w hale

The humpback w hale has a circumglobal

distribution in tw o separate southern and northern

hemisphere populations. They are found in

Queensland w ater during late autumn to spring

months, follow ing a migration pathw ay from

Antarctica (Bannister 2012). Calving is likely to

occur w ithin the Great Barrier Reef.

The humpback w hale is a transient visitor to

Queensland w aters, follow ing northern

migrations from Antarctica. They largely

occur w ithin 100 m depths until Hervey Bay,

w here they are assumed to spread out

across the Great Barrier Reef and central

and northern Queensland w aters (Bannister

2012).

Preferred habitat for the humpback

w hale is not w ithin the Fitzroy River

estuary and this species is unlikely to

be present in the dow nstream area

except as a transient visitor during peak

migration. No signif icant impacts are

predicted to the GBRWHA (Chapter 9).

No signif icant impact on this species is

predicted.

Natador

depressus

Flatback

turtle

The f latback turtle is an Indo-West pacif ic species

know n from tropical w aters of Papua New Guinea

and Indonesia and tropical and subtropical w aters

of Australia. The only reported nesting sites for

In Queensland, the f latback turtle is relatively

w idespread, w ith major nesting sites

occurring in Cape York, central and southern

Queensland, including Curtis Island and

The f latback turtle is likely to be a

transient visitor w ithin dow nstream

habitats. While nesting occurs on

nearby Curtis Island and Peak Island



Species Common

name


footprint


this species occur in Australia, located on inshore

continental islands (Curtis 2012).

Peak Island adjacent to the Fitzroy River

estuary.

the Project w ill not impact these

habitats. No signif icant impact on this

species is predicted.

Orcaella

heinsohni

Australian

snubfin

dolphin

The Australian snubfin dolphin is endemic to

northern Australian w aters and Papua New

Guinea. In Australia, this species occurs in

shallow coastal areas often near estuaries and

river mouths from southern Queensland to mid

north Western Australia (Van Dyck and Strahan

2008). As they are a recently described species,

little is know n of their ecology or population size.

The Fitzroy River estuary is a habitat of

relatively important conservation value for

the Australian snubfin dolphin and is home to

the southernmost resident population of this

species in Australian w aters (Cagnazzi

2013).


flow s or impact on habitat w ithin the

Fitzroy River estuary. No signif icant

indirect impacts on this species as a

result of changes to w ater quality are

anticipated.

Orcinus orca Killer

w hale,

orca

The killer w hale is a circumglobal species, found

in all oceans. Within Australia, the killer w hale is

typically distributed in temperate and subtropical

w aters, w ith transient specimens found in tropical

w aters (DoE 2013e).

In Australia, Killer Whales are usually found

along the continental slope and on the shelf,

particularly near seal colonies (DoE 2013e).

It is unlikely the killer w hale w ould use

habitat dow nstream of the Project area

and therefore no signif icant impacts are

predicted to occur.

Rhincodon

typus

Whale

shark

Whale sharks have a circum-global distribution

w ithin tropical, sub-tropical and w arm temperate

w aters (Last and Stevens 2009). Found along the

entire Queensland coast as transient individuals.

Know n to occur w ithin the Great Barrier Reef and

Osprey Reef (Meekan and Speed et al. 2012).

Uncommon in other regions.

Although w hale sharks occur in coastal and

pelagic environments, they are uncommon in

coastal w aters of Queensland. Rather their

know n aggregations are from the outer Great

Barrier Reef and offshore reefs such as

Osprey Reef (Meekan and Speed et al.

2012).

It is unlikely that w hale sharks w ould

use habitats dow nstream of the Project

area. Therefore, no signif icant impacts

are predicted to occur.

Sousa

chinensis

Indo-

Pacif ic

humpback

dolphin

Indo-Pacif ic humpback dolphins are found

throughout coastal w aters of Queensland,

Northern Territory and Western Australia. Off the

east and northern coast of Queensland the

distribution of this species appears to be

continuous (DoE 2013f).

As w ith the snub f in dolphin, suitable habitat

for this species exists in the Fitzroy River

estuary.


flow s or impact on habitat w ithin the

Fitzroy River estuary. No signif icant

indirect impacts on this species as a

result of changes to w ater quality are

anticipated.



11.5 Marine species


Table 11-6 outlines the listed marine species that were predicted to occur within and downstream

of the Project footprint based on the results of the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool.

Marine species that are also listed as migratory are addressed in Section 11.4 and are not

repeated here. Only two listed marine bird species, the magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata)

and the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), were predicted to occur within the Project footprint and

downstream to the Fitzroy Barrage. All other listed marine species comprising marine fish and

marine reptiles were predicted to occur downstream of the Fitzroy Barrage, however, it is unlikely

that these species utilise habitat within the Fitzroy River estuary.

Table 11-6 Listed marine species predicted to occur

Species Common name

Predicted to occur^

Rookw ood

Weir

inundation

Eden Bann

Weir to

Rookw ood

Weir

Eden Bann

Weir to

Fitzroy

Barrage

Fitzroy

Barrage

to Fitzroy

Estuary

Marine birds

Anseranas

semipalmata

Magpie goose

Pandion haliaetus Osprey

Marine fish

Acentronura

tentaculata

Shortpouch pygmy pipehorse

Campichthys tryoni Tryon's pipefish

Choeroichthys

brachysoma

Pacif ic short-bodied pipefish,

short-bodied pipefish

Corythoichthys

amplexus

Fijian banded pipefish,

brow n-banded pipefish

Corythoichthys

flavofasciatus

Reticulate pipefish, yellow -

banded pipefish, netw ork

pipefish

Corythoichthys

haematopterus

Reef-top pipefish

Corythoichthys

intestinalis

Australian messmate

pipefish, banded pipefish

Corythoichthys

ocellatus

Orange-spotted pipefish,

ocellated pipefish

Corythoichthys

paxtoni

Paxton's pipefish

Corythoichthys

schultzi

Schultz's pipefish

Doryrhamphus

excisus

Bluestripe pipefish, Indian

blue-stripe pipefish, Pacif ic

blue-stripe pipefish



Species Common name

Predicted to occur^

Rookw ood

Weir

inundation

Eden Bann

Weir to

Rookw ood

Weir

Eden Bann

Weir to

Fitzroy

Barrage

Fitzroy

Barrage

to Fitzroy

Estuary

Festucalex cinctus Girdled pipefish

Filicampus tigris Tiger pipefish

Halicampus

dunckeri

Red-hair pipefish, Duncker's

pipefish

Halicampus grayi Mud pipefish, Gray's pipefish

Halicampus nitidus Glittering pipefish

Halicampus

spinirostris

Spiny-snout pipefish

Hippichthys

cyanospilos

Blue-speckled pipefish, blue-

spotted pipefish

Hippichthys

heptagonus

Madura pipefish, reticulated

freshw ater pipefish

Hippichthys

penicillus

Beady pipefish, steep-nosed

pipefish

Hippocampus

bargibanti

Pygmy seahorse

Hippocampus kuda Spotted seahorse, yellow

seahorse

Hippocampus

planifrons

Flat-face seahorse

Hippocampus

zebra

Zebra seahorse

Lissocampus runa Javelin pipefish

Micrognathus

andersonii

Anderson's pipefish,

shortnose pipefish

Micrognathus

brevirostris

Thorntail pipefish, thorn-

tailed pipefish

Nannocampus

pictus

Painted pipefish, reef pipefish

Solegnathus

hardwickii

Pallid pipehorse, Hardw ick's

pipehorse

Solenostomus

cyanopterus

Robust ghostpipefish, blue-

finned ghost pipefish,

Solenostomus

paegnius

Rough-snout ghost pipefish

Solenostomus

paradoxus

Ornate ghostpipefish,

harlequin ghost pipefish,

ornate ghost pipefish

Syngnathoides

biaculeatus

Double-end pipehorse,

double-ended pipehorse,

alligator pipefish



41/20736/449257

Species Common name

Predicted to occur^

Rookw ood

Weir

inundation

Eden Bann

Weir to

Rookw ood

Weir

Eden Bann

Weir to

Fitzroy

Barrage

Fitzroy

Barrage

to Fitzroy

Estuary

Trachyrhamphus

bicoarctatus

Bentstick pipefish, bend stick

pipefish, shorttailed pipefish

Marine reptiles

Acalyptophis

peronii

Horned seasnake

Aipysurus duboisii Dubois' seasnake

Aipysurus eydouxii Spine-tailed seasnake

Aipysurus laevis Olive seasnake

Astrotia stokesii Stokes' seasnake

Disteira kingii Spectacled seasnake

Disteira major Olive-headed seasnake

Emydocephalus

annulatus

Turtle-headed seasnake

Hydrophis elegans Elegant seasnake

Lapemis hardwickii Spine-bellied seasnake

Laticauda colubrina A sea krait

Laticauda

laticaudata

A sea krait

Pelamis platurus Yellow -bellied seasnake


^ Predicted to occur within proximity to the Project area based on EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool

11.5.2 Potential impacts on marine species

The magpie goose has been previously recorded in desktop searches and was recorded during

surveys, however the Project footprint is unlikely to constitute critical breeding, foraging, roosting

or shelter habitat for this species. The osprey may be a transient visitor to the Project footprint

however this species has not previously been recorded in desktop searches and was not

recorded during surveys.

The Fitzroy River estuary is representative of a modified environment and no significant change to

downstream environments is anticipated as a result of the Project. The Project is not predicted to

have long-term effects on or alter downstream flows, water quality or impact on habitat within the

Fitzroy River estuary. Accordingly no significant indirect impacts on marine fish and marine

reptiles listed in Table 11-6 are anticipated. Any short term impacts to water quality as a result of

construction works will be managed in accordance with project specific management plans to

avoid impact.



11.6 Summary

EPBC Act Protected Matters searches undertaken for the Project identified 14 migratory species

that are potentially present within or near the Project footprint. Of these, four species are known to

occur in the Project footprint:

Estuarine crocodile

White-bellied sea-eagle

Rainbow bee-eater

Great egret, white egret.

Of the 49 marines species identified through the EPBC Act Protected Matters searches, only two

listed marine bird species, the magpie goose and the osprey, were predicted to occur within the

Project footprint.

The Project is not considered likely to have a significant impact on the estuarine crocodile. Short -

term impacts to nesting habitat are expected to be ameliorated by the creation of new nesting

habitat over a time frame which is unlikely to detrimentally affect the viability of the population

(namely due to the species’ longevity). The existing Eden Bann Weir impoundment is a highly

productive system for crocodiles and supports the most notable estuarine crocodile population in

the Fitzroy Basin. The provision of similar habitat upstream of the existing Eden Bann Weir

impoundment and upstream of Rookwood may allow for a higher carrying capacity for the species

in the area.

While utilised by a number of common migratory and marine bird species, the landscape matrix

within and adjacent to the Project footprint is fragmented and disturbed. As such, the woodland,

forest and aquatic habitats within the Project footprint are not considered critical breeding,

foraging, roosting or shelter habitat for the migratory species known to occur within or near to the

Project footprint.

While a number of migratory marine species were predicted to occur downstream of the Project

footprint based on the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool, most would not occur in the

freshwater section of the river between Eden Bann Weir and the Fitzroy Barrage. Similarly, a

number of the migratory marine species predicted to occur downstream of the Fitzroy Barrage are

unlikely to use habitats within the Fitzroy River estuary and if present are likely to be only

transient visitors.

The Fitzroy River system is representative of a modified environment and no significant change to

downstream environments is anticipated as a result of the Project. Therefore no significant

impacts to downstream migratory and marine species are expected.

11. migratory and marine species - eisdocs.dsdip.qld.gov.au

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